BAE Systems

Manufacturing ID Systems
BAE Systems
Aviation Tool Tracking
BAE Systems, the global defence and aerospace company operates in some of the most demanding fields of
engineering. BAE System’s Warton and Samlesbury sites in Lancashire manufacture significant sections of the
Typhoon Eurofighter, and the F35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Keeping track of the vast array of application specific tooling across many hangars presents a continuing problem
from both an administrative and an aviation safety viewpoint.
To meet the need for improved tool checking, BAE Systems looked to a solution based on automatic tool
identification. To develop and deliver their solution they chose CoreRFID.
The 64,000 Tool Question
Warton Aerodrome is home to a range of BAE Systems manufacturing and maintenance activities, carried out in more than 15
buildings. In common with most airfield sites, these locations are wide spread. Across the site, a wide range of tools and
manufacturing or service aids from assembly jigs to spanners are used.
Responsible for more than 64,000 tools across the site, the challenge
for BAE Systems is to keep track of what tools are where.
BAE Systems already record the use of tools in a Datastream 7i (now
Infor EAM) database and maintenance management system. However,
maintaining tool records manually means that it is only possible to
carry out sporadic audits of tooling by checking a percentage of the
total tool base each year. Performing a 100% tool check manually is
time consuming and costly. BAE Systems wanted to increase the
frequency and speed of audit and make the data stored in their D7i
system more accurate, relevant, and useful.
Tool Checking at BAE Systems Warton uses the bar
code solution created by CoreRFID.
Automatic identification technology offered a way to speed up the
capture of tool data and to improve accuracy. Radio frequency
identification (RFID) a popular solution to such problems, was ruled
out because of the potential risk of radio frequency interference. As a
result, BAE Systems decided on a bar code based solution.
Taking Advantage Of Existing Technology
BAE Systems already use bar codes to identify many of the tools on the Warton site. Check-out and check in of tools from the
tool stores in the hangars is by bar codes, removing the need for manual input to the Datastream 7i system. BAE Systems
decided to extend the tool tagging system to all tools on the Warton and Samlesbury sites and to implement a system for the
audit checks of tools to record their location, saving time, reducing costs and eliminating errors in determining the
whereabouts of tools. Auditing was needed not only to identify that the tools existed but to determine their location. The
data collected also had to support the validation and correction of data held in the Datastream 7i application giving exception
©CoreRFID 2010 All rights reserved. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
057
“CoreRFID worked with us to link our auditing plans with our existing tool management
approach. The solution supports our existing working processes, saving time, reducing
costs and removing errors. CoreRFID’s expertise in automatic identification has been
key.” Keith Pearson – Asset and Transport Manager, BAE Systems
reports of tools not found. A two phase approach was chosen. Firstly a system was to be introduced to allow on-site checking
of tools and creation of new labels for tools without an existing identity. To avoid development effort on the Datastream 7i
system, data collected is consolidated on a separate hub system. A second phase is planned to provide reconciliation, analysis
of the causes of missing tools and update of the Datastream 7i application.
The PDC Based Solution
The solution proposed by CoreRFID was based on their portable data
collection (PDC) system. PDC is an adaptable, easy to implement system that
is ideally suited to field data
collection applications using RFID
or barcoding as the automatic
identification mechanism.
The PDC application runs on a
hand held computer. In the case of
the BAE Systems application this is
an Intermec CK3, a robust
compact device running Windows
Mobile applications and supporting
enhanced reading for damaged or
poor quality bar codes and offering
long distance bar code reading to
make tool checking easier.
The Benefits
The CoreRFID solution for BAE Systems
aims to deliver:
•
Speedier tool audits, enabling more
frequent checking.
•
Opportunity for 100% tool check
audits.
•
More accurate data on tools and
their location.
•
Detailed audit information that can
be used to identify root causes for
tool discrepancies.
•
On-site scanning and tool tagging
for simple registration of new tools.
The software application running
on the CK3 provides a series of
simple menu driven forms that allow the user to capture details of the location
and then the tools found in that location. The system also time and date stamps
each entry. For tools without bar code tags, staff have the means to produce a bar
code label immediately, using a compact portable Zebra RP4T thermal transfer
label printer.
PDC application screen is easy to use.
Data collected on existing tags and newly created tags is uploaded at the end of
each audit session by docking the Intermec readers.
CoreRFID’s Portable Data Collector
Protable Data Collector (PDC) has been developed by CoreRFID as an easy way to implement auto-id applications using either
barcode or RFID or a combination of the two as the means for identification. The system includes an easily customisable
portable computer application and, where needed, a back end database system hosted by the user or by CoreRFID to provide
consolidation and reporting services. PDC ican be customised, implemented, hosted and managed by CoreRFID together with
the relevant technology as needed by the user.
About CoreRFID Manufacturing ID Systems
CoreRFID Manufacturing ID Systems help save costs and improve delivered product quality in a wide range of manufacturing environments.
To learn more about how we can help with your particular production issues, contact us today:
CoreRFID Manufacturing ID Systems, Dallam Court, Dallam Lane, Warrington U.K. WA2 7LT
T:
+44 (0) 845 071 0985 F:
+44 (0) 845 071 0989 W: www.corerfid.com/manufacturing
E:
[email protected]
©CoreRFID 2010 All rights reserved. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
057